If there’s one thing South African homeowners have learnt over the past few years, it’s that energy matters. Not just the electricity bill at the end of the month – but the kind of home you create. A home that still functions during load-shedding. A home that’s warm in winter, well-lit at night, and cost-effective to run.

When I look at properties (whether I am renovating, flipping, or advising), energy efficiency is no longer a “nice to have” – buyers are asking about it, homeowners are prioritising it and small, thoughtful upgrades can make a significant difference both in daily comfort and long-term value.

The encouraging part is that you don’t always need a full solar installation or a massive renovation budget to improve a home’s efficiency. Practical choices like solar lighting, gas geysers, alternative heating solutions, and smart flooring options can dramatically reduce running costs while making a property more appealing and resilient.

In this blog post, I’m sharing practical, realistic upgrades that work (especially in our South African context) and that add both lifestyle comfort and investment value.

Solar Lighting

There are  so many options when it comes to solar powered lighting.

• Adjustable spotlights to highlight certain areas – which can be automatic on/off, from dusk to dawn for gardens, patios, outside garages, sheds, etc.
• Outdoor wall lights – with motion sensors, rust resistant, ideal for pathways and corridors.
• Remote controlled solar floodlights and night guard lights which can be attached to gutters and mounted on walls for security.
• There are fairy lights, stick lights, ground lights, hanging lights, table lights – all providing practical and aesthetic lighting for your home and all powered for free!

Gas Geysers

These have emerged as a reliable alternative – as unlike electric geysers these provide hot water on demand by heating water as it flows through the unit, saving on electricity costs. It’s an efficient water heating system which is powered by liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas.

In South Africa, where load shedding and high electricity tariffs often pose challenges, gas geysers are practical and cost effective. Shop around for affordable installations. The initial outlay may be a little costly but in the long-term will definitely be more cost effective.

Gas Hobs

A gas hob offers significant savings over electric, also reducing cooking energy costs by up to two thirds. They provide instant heat and operate during power outages, without needing expensive battery and generator back-ups, so are more economical.

Gas is typically cheaper per unit than electricity. There may be slightly higher upfront costs due to piping and safety regulations. While gas hobs are highly efficient, I prefer an electric oven for consistent even heat for baking, etc.

One can either buy a gas hob, which you install in your counter top – with an eye level electric oven, or you can buy a free standing gas hob and oven unit.

Flooring

There is a wonderful choice of tiles out there in the market – but tiling is expensive! Firstly there is the initial cost of the tiles, but then there are the material costs (tile adhesive, grouting, spacers) and then you need to add to that labour costs! Should you be working on a tight time limit or budget, I would highly recommend vinyl flooring – of which there’s a wonderful selection of colours, and which looks like wood. It can be laid like planks or in sheet form. Vinyl is quiet and warm underfoot, easy to clean, doesn’t chip and can have a seamless look when laid through an open plan space.

Vinyl can be laid on top of tiles – over a self-levelling screed – which is left to dry for a day – and then the vinyl is laid very quickly and efficiently the following day. Vinyl therefore is a very cost effective product to use.

Heating

• Infrared heaters or panels are ideal for direct, low cost spot heating, and inverter air conditioners or heat pumps are the most energy efficient, low cost heating solutions for large spaces.
• Oil-filled radiators for steady warmth are other budget friendly options.
• Pellet fire-places or gas fire-places are highly effective, and often a more sustainable option for heating.
• Bio-ethenol fireplaces are economical and environmentally friendly.  There are a wide variety of very aesthetically pleasing designs available.

The size and style choice is determined by the space you need to heat. They can be placed in an existing fire-place and bricked in or can be wall-mounted or suspended, and there are table top options – which all give out good and efficient heat. They are easy to operate, and are very safe, with little to no cleaning required.

The Best Property Decisions aren’t always the most Dramatic Ones

Over the years, I’ve learnt that the best property decisions aren’t always the most dramatic ones – they’re the practical ones. The upgrades that quietly make a home easier to live in, cheaper to run, and more resilient when the power goes out.

You don’t have to change everything at once. Start with what makes the most sense for your space and your budget. Add solar lighting where it’s needed. Consider gas where it’s practical. Choose finishes that are durable and cost-effective. Small steps, done thoughtfully, create real impact over time.

At the end of the day, smart energy choices aren’t just about saving money. They’re about creating homes that feel secure, comfortable, and future-ready.